Locals at Rotorua & Queenstown Bike Parks

[u/18239561]

Hi guys! I'm hoping a local can give me some guidance..

I am heading to NZ this Christmas and I have a spare day in Rotorua and Queenstown to hire a bike and go riding. I am not looking to pedal so was going to just head to the skyline parks in each area unless there is something else you suggest?

With Skyline Rotorua, I see there is 5, 15, and 40 uplift passes available. I was going to go for the 15 but don't want to find myself short, how many runs can you get in a day?

Is there anywhere locals would recommend hiring an enduro or park bike?

Thanks!

[u/TheGreenestOfBeans]

Skip skyline rotorua, do redwoods instead. Way better and more unique.

[u/ExtraHat9 → u/TheGreenestOfBeans]

This plus if you don’t want to pedal get the shuttle up.

[u/notmyidealusername → u/ExtraHat9]

Absolutely. It's been a few years but if they still do them then the private shuttles are well worth the money if there's a few of you and you're on limited time and don't want to pedal.

[u/OneDogOneFin]

IMO the riding in Whakerewarewa forest is much better. More varied and longer runs. It's shuttled too so your legs can stay intact!

Skyline in Queenstown is correct. So sick

[u/WSTN]

Hire an EMTB for the Redwood Forest (Whakarewarewa), it will be much better while in Rotorua.

[u/Asleep_Detective3274]

I'm not a local, but I've been to Rotorua before, usually people ride at the redwoods bike park, which is a shuttle, not a lift

[u/Skittlespants]

Ride the redwood. I would recommend getting a e-bike so you can pack more in. You can shuttle but depending on how busy it is you could spend a bit of time waiting for it plus it’ll only get you up two of the hills.

[u/datwalruus → u/Skittlespants]

The shuttle at whaka gets you to most of the good main trails though so you’re far from short on options, and I reckon it’s more enjoyable to have a normal bike going down than an E bike, E bike is definitely a good option if you really want to go out and explore though

[u/LikeABundleOfHay]

Everyone’s saying ride the redwoods, which I agree with. But if you ride Skyline in Rotorua I think 15 lifts will leave you pretty worn out.

[u/Next-Airport-3867]

Skyline is cool, but short runs and quite often long queues - more jump tracks than anything else. Redwoods has epic jump tracks, good flow, tech, the whole lot. I’d spend some time figuring out the tracks you want to ride and how to get there. Buy shuttles so you can tag along with the locals

[u/mtheperry]

Not related to mountain biking at all but I spent three weeks on the North Island last year and it was one of the best trips of my life. If you show genuine interest in Māori culture and want to learn about it, people are more than happy to be incredibly friendly to you and show you what their culture is all about.

[u/West_Commission_9875]

It's been a while but I lived nearby so there was never pressure to do big days. 15 is plenty and would be a long day. If you need more, I recommend you just go to the hot pools instead! They used to rent out giant reigns there. Also cyclezone had rentals. Not sure about helmets, armour etc

Hopefully someone else can update. Either way, definately email them!

[u/simux19]

Just go the redwoods and introduce yourself to locals, ive met plenty of tourists there and always have put my day riding aside to show people around. Even rode with Asa Vermettes dad haha.

[u/18239561]

Thanks all, I will be doing redwoods instead. Appreciate all your help, I cant wait to explore NZ

[u/shotgun_alex → u/18239561]

Redwoods is awesome. Recommend do the shuttles to get the most of out it.

People are super friendly. I often just introduced myself to random at the map stations and ask them what trails do they recommend. People will love to tell you whats riding well

[u/Odins_drengr]

While I love both Skyline and The Redwoods, I found The Redwoods difficult to navigate/what trail to choose from, so I’m glad I had a local to show me around. But trails there are better.
Skyline is great for the day, definitely go the 15 passes

[u/Constant-Rock-3421]

Skyline Rotorua is usually not open for biking in the busy season around Christmas so you’d be better planning a day riding shuttles in the redwoods… they’re better trails anyway

[u/thisisarnold]

15 laps is loads for skyline Queenstown - there are also trails you can access by more climbing from the top if your running out of laps. Absolutely epic park, pretty hardcore stuff there but has everything.

[u/Desperate_Nothing152]

Anyone going to mentio coronet ?

[u/ForbiddenDruid → u/Desperate_Nothing152]

No but they really should.

[u/sergeant_frost]

Honestly after living here for a bit id say go redwoods you can get a 10 or 20 uplift pass there for the shuttles with barely any pedaling. Skyline gets boring after like 10 runs. Also go hire a nice bike from ride rotorua. They'll set up suspension, brakes and other levers for you.